Worldmaking

Creativity is something that everyone talks about but how did this concept originate? With roots in nineteenth century philosophy, our current idea of creativity has emerged largely from psychological theories since the early twentieth century. Michael Hanchett Hanson has woven together the history of the development of the psychological theories of creativity with social constructivist views of power dynamics and pragmatic insights into the use of this powerful concept. Worldmaking: Psychology and the Ideology of Creativity provides an engaging and thought-provoking analysis of interest to anyone who uses the idea of creativity, from psychologists and philosophers to artists, educators and business leaders.

Michael Hanchett Hanson founded and directs the Masters Concentration in Creativity and Cognition at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA. He has written about practical guidelines for creativity in education; creativity as an emerging social construction, and use of ironic thinking in creative work. Michael encourages his students to analyze the ideological functions of the concept of creativity and to participate in the ongoing construction of the concept by studying, evaluating and applying a variety of theories and practices. His pragmatic approach is informed by decades of first-hand experience in curriculum development and program evaluation for educational institutions, youth development programs, museums and corporations.

Preface: Teaching and Learning
Introduction: Our Concept of Change
1. Creativity at Large: Functions and Controversies

2. Ideation: The 'Box' and Its Discontents

3. Worldmaking: Functions and Technologies of the Creative 'Box'

4. Self-Actualization: The Pursuit of Potential

5. Worldmaking: Functions and Technologies of Actualization

6. Development: Lifelong Journeys

7. Sociocultural Dynamics: Changing Worlds

8. Worldmaking: The Emerging Participatory Synthesis

9. Worldmaking 2.0: Our Evolving Ideology

Final Note: 'The Year We Killed Creativity'